Russia has issued a stark warning to Western countries over efforts to disrupt its so-called shadow fleet, raising fears that the confrontation could spill into international shipping lanes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened retaliation if Western nations move to seize Russian vessels or assets linked to the shadow fleet. Moscow says such actions would amount to piracy and has warned that any response would not necessarily take place in the same waters.

The escalating tensions are creating a major challenge for Britain’s Royal Navy, which is already monitoring Russian warships and shadow fleet vessels around UK waters. Reports cited in the segment suggest concerns over whether the Royal Navy has sufficient ships, weapons and resources to protect commercial shipping across vast maritime routes.

As Russia and the West clash over sanctioned oil shipments, the world’s major shipping lanes could become the next arena of confrontation.

Russia Threatens Western Ships | Britain’s Royal Navy Faces Major Firepower Crisis

New Delhi: India’s Directorate General of Shipping has advised all Indian seafarers serving onboard Indian and foreign-flagged vessels transiting “through conflict-affected waters to exercise the highest degree of caution and vigilance.” The vessel operators, ship managers and shipping companies have also been advised to adhere strictly to prevailing maritime security protocols.&nbsp;This comes as three foreign-flagged vessels, with Indian crew onboard, have been attacked by US forces off the coast of Oman. This has prompted a strong response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), including the summoning of US CdA Jason Meeks. The incidents, involving vessels accused of attempting to breach a US-imposed blockade on Iranian oil exports, have raised concerns over maritime safety and the risks faced by Indian seafarers.&nbsp;MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “These attacks came from US Navy stationed in the region. The 3 ships involved are foreign flagged...2 of them are OFAC sanctioned, and one is non-compliant.” Two of the ships were already under “US sanctions” as part of the so-called “shadow fleet”, ageing tankers, evading Western sanctions. These vessels often use complex ownership structures, ship-to-ship transfers in remote areas, and flag-hopping to obscure their activities.&nbsp;Officials note that crews, including Indians, often join such vessels knowingly for higher pay or through unscrupulous recruitment agents. While expressing concern for its nationals, New Delhi has stressed the distinction between legitimate Indian shipping and foreign-flagged operations in the sanctions grey zone.&nbsp;The first incident involved the MV Marivex, a Palau-flagged vessel attacked on 8 June 2026 in the Oman Search and Rescue Region. According to US accounts, the ship reported Fujairah in the UAE as its next port of call, but this was unverified. It allegedly attempted to run the blockade on multiple occasions despite repeated warnings. On its third try, it was turned south towards Masirah Island, claiming it would comply. On 8 June, it stopped north of the island, appearing to mask movements for a fourth attempt using Omani waters. US authorities stated the vessel was “disabled” after ignoring interceptions. 24 Indian nationals onboard the vessel were rescued by Oman authorities.&nbsp;On 10 June, the Palau-flagged MT Settebello was targeted. US CENTCOM described it as a “non-compliant” vessel attempting to transport Iranian oil. Precision munitions struck the engine room after the crew failed to heed directions. 3 Indian nationals died in the incident, sparking anger against the US, but raising concern about the actions of the vessels as well.&nbsp;One Indian deck cadet, 23-year-old Aditya Sharma, was killed. His father, Rajesh Sharma, expressed profound grief, seeking accountability. “The captain continued to sail the ship, and was under pressure... Despite the blockade, the ship continued to vessel. A warning was given... The US military took a deadly action, and a number of other measures can be taken to take control, like takeover, crew member arrest, and why use a missile. This is a matter that needs to be investigated.”&nbsp;The third vessel, MT Jalveer (Guinea-Bissau-flagged), was hit on 11 June with two AGM-114 missiles targeting its engine room. US forces linked the action to blockade violations, recent Iranian port calls (Bandar Abbas and Jask), and ship-to-ship transfers with OFAC-sanctioned vessels.&nbsp;The shadow fleet has become a major cause of concern for global maritime security and environmental risks from poorly maintained ships. India has emphasised that no Indian-flagged vessels have been targeted. Many of these vessels have the AIS system off, so that they cannot be detected, which makes it a much more dangerous situation. Around 12-13 Indian-flagged vessels remain in Hormuz and haven’t moved as Indian shipping authorities remain cautious. Those Indian ships that have moved have followed the new protocols that have come into being after the 40-day war came to an end. The fragile ceasefire that emerged after the conflict has been breached several times by all sides.

The crews, including Indians, often join such vessels knowingly for higher pay or through unscrupulous recruitment agents. Expressing concern for its nationals, New Delhi has stressed the distinction between legitimate Indian shipping and foreign-flagged operations in the sanctions grey zone.

New Delhi: India’s Directorate General of Shipping has advised all Indian seafarers serving onboard Indian and foreign-flagged vessels transiting “through conflict-affected waters to exercise the highest degree of caution and vigilance.” The vessel operators, ship managers and shipping companies have also been advised to adhere strictly to prevailing maritime security protocols. This comes as three foreign-flagged vessels, with Indian crew onboard, have been attacked by US forces off the coast of Oman. This has prompted a strong response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), including the summoning of US CdA Jason Meeks. The incidents, involving vessels accused of attempting to breach a US-imposed blockade on Iranian oil exports, have raised concerns over maritime safety and the risks faced by Indian seafarers. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “These attacks came from US Navy stationed in the region. The 3 ships involved are foreign flagged...2 of them are OFAC sanctioned, and one is non-compliant.” Two of the ships were already under “US sanctions” as part of the so-called “shadow fleet”, ageing tankers, evading Western sanctions. These vessels often use complex ownership structures, ship-to-ship transfers in remote areas, and flag-hopping to obscure their activities. Officials note that crews, including Indians, often join such vessels knowingly for higher pay or through unscrupulous recruitment agents. While expressing concern for its nationals, New Delhi has stressed the distinction between legitimate Indian shipping and foreign-flagged operations in the sanctions grey zone. The first incident involved the MV Marivex, a Palau-flagged vessel attacked on 8 June 2026 in the Oman Search and Rescue Region. According to US accounts, the ship reported Fujairah in the UAE as its next port of call, but this was unverified. It allegedly attempted to run the blockade on multiple occasions despite repeated warnings. On its third try, it was turned south towards Masirah Island, claiming it would comply. On 8 June, it stopped north of the island, appearing to mask movements for a fourth attempt using Omani waters. US authorities stated the vessel was “disabled” after ignoring interceptions. 24 Indian nationals onboard the vessel were rescued by Oman authorities. On 10 June, the Palau-flagged MT Settebello was targeted. US CENTCOM described it as a “non-compliant” vessel attempting to transport Iranian oil. Precision munitions struck the engine room after the crew failed to heed directions. 3 Indian nationals died in the incident, sparking anger against the US, but raising concern about the actions of the vessels as well. One Indian deck cadet, 23-year-old Aditya Sharma, was killed. His father, Rajesh Sharma, expressed profound grief, seeking accountability. “The captain continued to sail the ship, and was under pressure... Despite the blockade, the ship continued to vessel. A warning was given... The US military took a deadly action, and a number of other measures can be taken to take control, like takeover, crew member arrest, and why use a missile. This is a matter that needs to be investigated.” The third vessel, MT Jalveer (Guinea-Bissau-flagged), was hit on 11 June with two AGM-114 missiles targeting its engine room. US forces linked the action to blockade violations, recent Iranian port calls (Bandar Abbas and Jask), and ship-to-ship transfers with OFAC-sanctioned vessels. The shadow fleet has become a major cause of concern for global maritime security and environmental risks from poorly maintained ships. India has emphasised that no Indian-flagged vessels have been targeted. Many of these vessels have the AIS system off, so that they cannot be detected, which makes it a much more dangerous situation. Around 12-13 Indian-flagged vessels remain in Hormuz and haven’t moved as Indian shipping authorities remain cautious. Those Indian ships that have moved have followed the new protocols that have come into being after the 40-day war came to an end. The fragile ceasefire that emerged after the conflict has been breached several times by all sides.

The crews, including Indians, often join such vessels knowingly for higher pay or through unscrupulous recruitment agents. Expressing concern for its nationals, New Delhi has stressed the distinction between legitimate Indian shipping and foreign-flagged operations in the sanctions grey zone.

Amid Hormuz crisis, Indian nationals on shadow fleet raise concerns for Delhi

The disruption has also had a significant human impact, with around 20,000 seafarers stranded on nearly 2,000 vessels west of the strait, according to International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

The disruption has also had a significant human impact, with around 20,000 seafarers stranded on nearly 2,000 vessels west of the strait, according to International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

'$140 million a day': How shadow fleet Is fueling Iran’s war as Strait of Hormuz shipping drops 95%?

Russia-Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of using a "shadow fleet" of oil tankers to launch and control drones targeting European cities amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. 

Russia's Shadow Fleet Escalates Spill Fears, Finland Tracks Oil Threat in Narrow Strait

An investigation has revealed that Russia's fleet of alleged spy ships operating in the North Sea has increased to about 200 civilian ships.

According to a joint investigation by the Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Follow the Money platform, which was published on Thursday (June 20), Russia has increased the number of its cargo ships, fishing boats, research vessels, oil tankers, and pleasure yachts that are suspected of gathering information about the locations of vital infrastructure and pipelines in the North Sea to sabotage or disrupt them.

According to the study, the vessels, most of which are docked in Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, are accused of having participated in around 1,000 instances of espionage in the North Sea.

Since 2014, Russian ships have been accused of spying on infrastructure in the North Sea. In a previous inquiry, public broadcasters in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway discovered that during NATO training exercises, at least fifty Russian ships, supposedly civilian and fishing vessels, had lingered close to oil and gas fields, power stations, and military training grounds.

According to the investigation published on Thursday, Russian-flagged ships are regularly involved in suspicious loitering activities. They have also been used to scout out the locations and weak points of the vital infrastructure in the North Sea, instead of carrying out research, moving cargo, or fishing.

"Russian ships are suspicious in themselves, even if they maintain a very normal sailing pattern. Because every Russian ship, even if it works for a private company, works for the Russian government anyway," Thomas De Spiegelaere, spokesman for the Maritime Security Cell of the Belgian Federal Public Service of Mobility and Transport, said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greeces-summer-tragedy-record-heat-wave-ignites-wildfires-closes-acropolis-and-claims-tourists-lives-733883">Greece's summer tragedy: Record heat wave ignites wildfires, closes Acropolis, and claims tourists' lives</a>

"Russia could use about 200 civilian vessels for espionage in the North Sea. This has not happened since the Cold War," Agentstvo, an independent Russian investigative site commented on the report on Friday.

Ewa Skoog Haslum, the chief of Sweden's navy, also expressed worry about Russian ships that were present in the Baltic Sea in April. 
&nbsp;According to Skoog Haslum, Russia could be employing its "shadow fleet" of oil tankers for espionage operations in the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea is home to Moscow's so-called "shadow fleet," which is made up of outdated boats that frequently change their flag registrations, lack proper insurance, and operate under opaque ownership. According to experts, Russia is using the ships to get around restrictions on its oil shipments.

(With inputs from agencies)

An investigation has revealed that Russia's fleet of alleged spy ships operating in the North Sea has increased to about 200 civilian ships. According to a joint investigation by the Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Follow the Money platform, which was published on Thursday (June 20), Russia has increased the number of its cargo ships, fishing boats, research vessels, oil tankers, and pleasure yachts that are suspected of gathering information about the locations of vital infrastructure and pipelines in the North Sea to sabotage or disrupt them.

An investigation has revealed that Russia's fleet of alleged spy ships operating in the North Sea has increased to about 200 civilian ships. According to a joint investigation by the Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Follow the Money platform, which was published on Thursday (June 20), Russia has increased the number of its cargo ships, fishing boats, research vessels, oil tankers, and pleasure yachts that are suspected of gathering information about the locations of vital infrastructure and pipelines in the North Sea to sabotage or disrupt them. According to the study, the vessels, most of which are docked in Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, are accused of having participated in around 1,000 instances of espionage in the North Sea. Since 2014, Russian ships have been accused of spying on infrastructure in the North Sea. In a previous inquiry, public broadcasters in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway discovered that during NATO training exercises, at least fifty Russian ships, supposedly civilian and fishing vessels, had lingered close to oil and gas fields, power stations, and military training grounds. According to the investigation published on Thursday, Russian-flagged ships are regularly involved in suspicious loitering activities. They have also been used to scout out the locations and weak points of the vital infrastructure in the North Sea, instead of carrying out research, moving cargo, or fishing. "Russian ships are suspicious in themselves, even if they maintain a very normal sailing pattern. Because every Russian ship, even if it works for a private company, works for the Russian government anyway," Thomas De Spiegelaere, spokesman for the Maritime Security Cell of the Belgian Federal Public Service of Mobility and Transport, said in a statement. Also read: Greece's summer tragedy: Record heat wave ignites wildfires, closes Acropolis, and claims tourists' lives "Russia could use about 200 civilian vessels for espionage in the North Sea. This has not happened since the Cold War," Agentstvo, an independent Russian investigative site commented on the report on Friday. Ewa Skoog Haslum, the chief of Sweden's navy, also expressed worry about Russian ships that were present in the Baltic Sea in April. According to Skoog Haslum, Russia could be employing its "shadow fleet" of oil tankers for espionage operations in the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea is home to Moscow's so-called "shadow fleet," which is made up of outdated boats that frequently change their flag registrations, lack proper insurance, and operate under opaque ownership. According to experts, Russia is using the ships to get around restrictions on its oil shipments. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's 'shadow fleet' resurfaces: 200 civilian vessels suspected of North Sea espionage

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Amid Hormuz crisis, Indian nationals on shadow fleet raise concerns for Delhi

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Russia's Shadow Fleet Escalates Spill Fears, Finland Tracks Oil Threat in Narrow Strait

Russia's 'shadow fleet' resurfaces: 200 civilian vessels suspected of North Sea espionage